As Altadena communities are trying to restore their lives and homes a year after the Eaton Fire, many families are learning the process is not one size that fits all.

Among over 6,700 structures or units destroyed, 1,170 rebuilding permits were issued as of Thursday while 1,425 properties’ rebuilding plans were approved in the Eaton Fire burn scar area.

NBC Los Angeles has followed the three families to see what their rebuilding journey has produced during a 12-month period.

Ted Koerner: Home fully rebuilt

Ted Koerner’s home on East Loma Alta Drive was the first to get a certificate of occupancy in December 2025, allowing him to move into this fully rebuilt home in the Eaton Fire zone,

“To stand in front of a picture window now and see the sun on the ocean and a full sunset – it’s quiet, and we’re home. It’s very overwhelming,” said Koerner.

The homeowner said his rebuilding process involved “a lot of phone calls” to Los Angeles County.

“Help, please,” Koerner recalled his conversations with county representatives. “You can only wait so many days when every second of every minute is just being lost.”

He said he fronted over $700,000 out of his retirement fund to rebuild before insurance payout.

Koerner’s advice to other wildfire survivors: Pick up the phone every day. Every day. Get up early.

Al and Charlotte Bailey

The Baileys have been living in an RV on their property across the street from Ted Koerner after losing their home of 41 years. 

The couple, who only recently received approval to move ahead with their rebuild plans, said when Koerner’s home was rebuilt, they celebrated with him.

The Baileys’ advice for others in the rebuilding process: It’s a slow process, and you have to have the faith that everybody has genuine interest at heart.

Shelene Hearring’s martial arts studio

When Shelene Hearring’s “Two Dragons Martial Arts” studio on Lake Avenue was destroyed, she tried everything she could to raise funds to buy the property to save the business.

Before time ran out, a local non-profit called Greenline Housing Foundation stepped in to buy it for her and purchased it for $475,000.

Once the redevelopment is complete, Greenline is hoping to sell it to Hearring for less, Jasmin Shupper with the nonprofit said.